When four-time world champion Higgins appeared at a similar tribunal in 2010, radio, TV and press were camped outside London law offices for two days. The Scot was cleared of match-fixing but banned for six months and fined £75,000 on lesser rules breaches.

If Lee is found guilty by the tribunal, chaired by Adam Lewis QC, on any or all of the charges he could expect a heavy penalty — and even a life ban.

The case, which starts at 10.30am, is expected to take at least three days to hear.

The matches involved are three at the 2008 Malta Cup, two at the 2008 UK Championship, one at the 2009 China Open and one at the 2009 World Championship.